Chapter 2: Surviving the Tempest

After that duel the rest of my morning seemed to go without any problems. Right now I was currently in math class where we were learning about factoring. Most of the class seemed to be either bored or were really confused on the subject. For me I had a general understanding on the topic so I decided to gaze out the window. Ever since my duel with Firefly I thought about how everybody was finally able to see my ace monster of my deck. Prior to Firefly's challenge I had only been able to summon my Dark Magician once but even then it was only a small gathering of people who had witnessed it. The people who were there then began to mention to their peers about someone holding a legendary card, but most assumed it nothing more than a rumor. I couldn't really blame them, a card that has been told through generations and is considered a fan favorite among the dueling community would never shown up in a place like this. While my mind was wondering I was called on by the teacher to give her an answer to a problem. Everyone around me started turn their heads toward me and gave me an icy glare. Luckily I remained calm and took a glance at the board. Once I was able to see the problem and figure it out the process to solve it I gave my answer. "The answer is x=5 and x=-5" I said.

"Very good Isaac, now I hope everybody pays attention because we 20 more problems to solve before class ends," said the teacher. Around me I could hear the groans/complains from my fellow peers.

This is going to be a long day I thought to myself.

After the tortuous math class, the rest of my classes went smoothly and it was about time for lunch. As I made my way to the cafetoria I took notice of some students talking about me when I passed their table. I couldn't really hear what they were exactly saying but from what I could gather it was mostly about the duel I had this morning.

There was talk of "Hey, isn't that the duelist that has the Dark Magician".

"Did you ever think we would someone as attending school that has such a rare card".

Even "That's the kid who won this morning right, do you think he's single?".

That last topic I didn't pay too much attention as it wasn't a major issue, but them talking about my magician meant that it would be only a matter of time before I had a bunch of people challenging me.

"Hey Isaac" a voice called behind me. "I hope I didn't catch you at a bad time but I wanted to introduce myself. I'm Cinnamon Almond" she said. "I'm here because I heard you've got a powerful card."

Well that didn't take long I said in my mind.

"I'm sure you know why I'm here"

"Let me guess, it's because their having a 2 for 1 lunch special and you someone to give their extra." I proposed.

"Well that's one of the reason why I'm excited for lunch but don't worry I have a friend whose got that covered. The reason is that I'm here to challenge you to a duel; from what I heard it seems that you've got a special card. I want to test my skills against a monster of that caliber, so what do say?"

I simply gave a nod as my answer and told her I would meet her in the gymnasium after I finished my lunch. The students around us heard the challenge was accepted and were pumped that their was going to be a duel happening soon.

After I had finished my lunch, I made my way to the gym for my duel with Cinnamon. Along the way I noticed a card that was on the floor. I picked up the card and flipped it over; at first glance it wasn't a very powerful seeing as it didn't have a lot of attack points. The name of the card was: Albert, the Flying Squirrel. "I wonder if someone dropped this" as I looked around I saw no one. "Better hold on to it for now, I'll look for the owner of this card after my match." I put the card in my pocket and made my way to the destination. Once I reached the gym I pushed the through the doors and what I saw was a sight to behold. Compared to this morning, there was a whole lot more students as they filled nearly all the bleachers. Not only that but when I turned toward the stage I saw some individuals I didn't expect. Sitting at a table in front of the stage was none other than Principal Celestia and her sister Vice-Principal Luna.

"Excuse Principal Celestia but what are you and your sister doing here?" I said.

"Well me and my sister felt like this duel needed some official supervision to ensure that nobody does anything to jeopardize this duel. Also we wanted to relieve ourselves of some stress" she said as she let out a sigh.

"Not to sound picky but do you think it's alright for you guys just to take a break, what if there's an emergency?"

"The only emergency that me and Celestia have to address is helping Old Man Jenkins figure out where he put his glasses; honestly if I have to constantly tell that old coot to look in the mirror to see them on his face I swear I'm going to put him into a retirement home just so I don't have to hear him complaining" Luna said with a bitter tone.

Okay, remind me not to get on Luna's bad side. If she's like this when she's stressed I hate to see her when she's angry, let alone how Celestia might act if she's angry that was a thought I didn't want to see come true. "Well then I hope this duel can you girls to relax."

"Don't worry about us, go out there and put on a show for these students" Celestia giving me a warm smile after she made her statement.

Celestia then grabbed the mic, "Ladies and gentleman, it's my distinct honor to oversee today's duel. Now help me give a warm welcome to our contestants: Cinnamon Almond and Isaac". Everybody in the stands gave a thunderous cheer as they were about to witness a duel to remember. Across from me I could Cinnamon getting hyped up for our match.

"Hey Cinnamon, lets make sure we give these people a good show."

"I wouldn't have it any other way Isaac, don't hold back just because I'm a girl" she said with a smug look.

"Don't worry I never hold back".

"If both contestants are ready then let the duel commence" echoed Celestia's voice throughout the gym.

"Opponent detected. Streaming data. Duel mode set. Initiating. Commencing duel." Said the mechanical voice from our duel disks.

"Let's duel!".

Isaac's Life Points: 8000-

Cinnamon Almond's Life Points: 8000-

Turn 1: Cinnamon

"I'll make the first move, I draw. I'll start things off by playing a field spell, A Legendary Ocean raise the sea level." When Cinnamon played the card it morphed the entire playing field into an underwater city. "Thanks to this spell all of my water creatures get a bonus of 200 att/def and it lowers their level by 1. Next I'll summon to the field Fiend Kraken(1200/1400) in defense mode and place 1 card facedown. I'll pass it over to you Isaac."

Turn 2: Isaac

"So Cinnamon uses a water deck, well I always did want to see how my magician fares against sea creatures. I draw." Due to her field spell not only do her monsters get a bonus but she can reduce their levels. Which means she plans to summon out her powerful creatures as soon as possible. "I'll start by playing Breaker the Magical Warrior(1600/1000) in attack mode. Breaker's ability allows him to come with a counter which raises his attack by 300 and should I remove it I can destroy a spell/trap." The problem is whether or not I should use the counter to destroy her field spell or facedown better hold on to it. "Now I'll have Breaker attack your Kraken. With that I'll place 1 card facedown and end my turn."

Turn 3: Cinnamon

"I draw, you may defeated my Kraken but lets see how you handle this creature appear Great White Terror(1500/1200) in attack mode. Next I'll activate the spell School of Fish now by paying 2000 points I can summon 2 creatures from my hand/deck so long as their original att. is less than 2000. I summon Great White(1600/800) and Jellyfish(1200/1500). I end my turn, time to see how you handle my creatures this time Isaac."
Cinnamon's Life Points: 6000-

Turn 4: Isaac

"My turn, I draw. Just as I expected thanks to her field spell she's able to get her higher level monsters onto the field with ease. I need to get rid of it now. I play Magician's Valkyria(1600/1800) in attack mode. Next I'll play Breaker's ability by removing the counter I'll destroy your field spell."

From afar Cinnamon had a smile on her face, "I figured you would that's why I had this ready I reveal my trap Emergency Warning; this card allows me to negate your effect whenever you target a card of mine."

Well that didn't go as plan. "I place 1 card facedown and end my turn."

The entire room soon erupted with noise as they were witnessing a back and forth battle. The students were really invested in this duel that they started to chant for both competitors, even Celestia and Luna were on their feet cheer for both duelists.

Turn 5: Cinnamon

"Seems the crowd is really getting hyped from our duel why don't we take it to the next level, I draw. First I set a card facedown then I'll summon Kairyu-Shin(1800/1500) in attack mode. Now I'll have Great White attack your Valkyria and Great White Terror to destroy your Breaker. Once they've cleared your field I'll have Kairyu and Jellyfish attack you directly." Both sharks lunged at my monsters and crushed them using their jaws, then I felt the sting/bite from Cinnamon's remaining monsters. "I place 1 card facedown and end my turn".
Isaac's Life Points: 4300-

Turn 6: Isaac

"This is why I didn't bother learning to swim never have to worry about creatures like these on land. I draw, I play a spell Swords of Revealing Light now you can't attack for 3 whole turns." From the heavens came three pillars of light that resembled swords and were planted on Cinnamon's side of the field.

"You know you're only delaying the inevitable right kid, no matter in 3 turns I'll have you right where I want so make the most out of it" Cinnamon said confidently.

"I'll then summon to the field Alexandrite Dragon(2000/100) in attack mode, now time for some retribution go my Dragon take out her Jellyfish. That ought to do some serious damage to your life points."

"Your right Isaac it would if it wasn't for my facedown; I reveal the continuous trap: Tornado Wall. This nifty card makes any damage I receive become 0. Tough break".

I felt myself become frustrated, "Maybe so but you still lose a monster for now I'll end my turn."

Turn 7: Cinnamon
Turn count: 1

"I draw, the time has come for me to change this harsh storm into a raging tempest. I play Abyssal Kingshark(1700/600) and now I have all the pieces I need to play the creature that will wash you away. Everyone in attendance prepare yourselves as I Overlay my level 3 Abyssal Kingshark and Great White to build the Overlay network. From the depths of the deepest seas arise a creature like no other, I Xyz summon Number 17: Leviathan Dragon(2000/0, OVU:2) in attack mode." Standing before was a creature like no other as it spread its wing I got to see how massive it was as it lead out a loud roar. "Next I use Leviathan's special ability by using 1 overlay unit it gains 500 attack."

I was confused for a moment "What good does that do you? You still can't attack thanks to my spell."

"That's why I play this the spell Lifeguard Duty it allows me to negate a card's effect for 1 turn the downside is I can only attack with 1 monster but that's more than enough. Now Leviathan take out his dragon, go Aquatic stream." The monster charged up it's attack and was able to destroy my monster as if it was nothing even I felt the force of the impact. "I'll end my turn there."
Isaac's Life Points: 3600-

Turn 8: Isaac

"Alright, my draw." "I'll start by playing Magician's Rod(1600/100) in attack mode. Now my Rod's ability activates which lets me add a 'Dark Magician' related spell/trap to my hand. I'll then set 1 card facedown and end my turn." Just got to hold on a little bit longer.

Turn 9: Cinnamon
Turn count: 2 OVU:1

"Seems like you're out of tricks to save you, don't worry I'll put you out of your misery. My turn." Cinnamon drew her card and immediately popped a smile. "Well look who decided to show up, everyone I'd like you all to meet the star monster of my deck appear The Legendary Fisherman(1850/1600) in attack position. Thanks to my fisherman's ability not only is he not affected by spells but he can't be targeted for attacks. Which means he can bypass your swords, so go my fisherman destroy his monster."

As Cinnamon's monster raised it's harpoon to attack, I knew I had to think fast if I was still going to win this duel. "I activate my trap Half Unbreak now not only is my monster safe but the damage I take is cut in half."

"Don't worry I'm not done because I'm activate the spell Deep Sea Dive not only do I get to destroy a spell on the field but I choose a monster of mine to receive 1000 extra attack and I'll choose Leviathan but I'll also activate his special ability which raises his attack by another 500(4200 attack). Now Leviathan attack his Rod with Aquatic Stream."

"Don't forget Cinnamon my Half Unbreak is still in play which means the damage I take is cut in half." Even though my monster was safe the attack still manage to send shockwaves that it took me off my feet; I was pretty sure everybody watching us could also feel the impact of that attack. Once the attack was over I got to my feet "Thank god that's over" I reassured myself.

"Don't think so I play another spell called Tidal Wave Rampage now I exchange my monster's attack and deal damage to your life points equal to Kairyu." Unfortunately, my trap couldn't save me from this as I took the full effect of the card. It was strong enough to drop me to one knee. "Like a ship caught out in sea you still manage to hang on even during a raging tempest. No matter it's only a matter of time before that ship of yours sinks and is washed away, I end my turn."
Isaac's Life Points: 275-

Turn 10: Isaac

Before taking my turn, I let out a sigh of relief. Thanks to my quick thinking I was able to barely survive Cinnamon's onslaught but now I had to find someway to mount a comeback. The crowd around was silent and I couldn't blame; after seeing the turn in which Cinnamon had thrown everything at me and I still found a way to hang on by a thread who wouldn't be stunned by that. After what had occurred all eyes were on me to see what my next move was, even Celestia and Luna looked on with interest. Both sisters had excitement in their eyes as they hadn't seen a duel like this in a long time it had reminded them of how they felt when they dueled in their younger years. Though I doubt neither one of them considered themselves that old given how they always wanted to learn the latest trend which often resulted in them making the students feel a bit uncomfortable. Looking back at them I saw their face had hints of determination as if to tell me not to give and to continue to play till the last card has been drawn. I simply gave them a nod to signal that I understood what they were trying to tell me; and so I put my hand on my deck and put my trust that my deck wouldn't fail.

"Alright then it's my turn, I draw! First I'll play the spell card Magical Dimension now by sacrificing my monster I can special summon a spellcaster from my hand and I choose my Magician of Dark Illusion(2100/2500). It also lets me destroy a monster on your side and I choose your Kairyu. But the fun doesn't stop there next I activate my facedown Magician Navigation now I can spell summon 2 more spellcasters from my hand/deck, so come out 2 more Magician of Dark Illusion."

Cinnamon was unimpressed with what I had done. "So what, you have 3 of the same card out what difference does it make. Neither one of them stands a chance of taking done my Leviathan and even if you did my Tornado Wall makes it so that I take no damage. You just wasted a turn summoning monsters that have no means of taking down my creatures" Cinnamon said with conviction in her voice.

The only thing I could do was smile back at her, "You're right alone my monsters can't take down your dragon but together they've got a power like no other. Watch as I demonstrate the power of teamwork between duelist and monster. I overlay 2 of my level 7 magicians to build the Overlay network." Everyone watching had their mouths open but the one who was most shocked was Cinnamon whose response matched everyone's thoughts.

"How is this possible I can imagine someone like you having a rare card but to think that you know more advanced dueling methods with that card is unfathomable."

I felt a sense of proudness wash upon me when she said that. "Believe me there's a lot about me you don't know, now everybody give a warm welcome as I Xyz summon Ebon Illusion Magician(2500/2100, OVU: 2)." As the monster ascended onto the field, I knew what I had to do to win the duel. "Next I play Dark Magical Circle as you know it lets me look at the 3 top cards of my deck and add 1 that lists "Dark Magician" to my hand. And the one I choose is the Dark Magician himself."

"So you may have your favorite monster in your hand but you have no means of summoning him not to mention my Leviathan has way more attack points than any of your monsters. In other words, this duel is mine." said Cinnamon.

"That's where you're wrong Cinnamon let me show you by activating Ebon Magician's ability by using 1 overlay unit I can special summon 1 normal type spellcaster from my deck/hand, so I play the one and only Dark Magician." Just like before once the card was registered, out manifested a wizard that wore purple garments all over his body. "Now that I've summoned my Dark Magician my circle activates which means I can banish 1 card on your side of the field and I choose your Kairyu."

While Cinnamon's monster was banished she still held a facial resolve, "You made a mistake choosing my Kairyu now you don't have anything strong enough to take down my Leviathan, you've lost."

"Actually Cinnamon this duel is all but won because my Ebon Magician's other ability is that when a normal spellcaster declares an attack he can banish a card of yours." The look on Cinnamon's face told the whole story as I could see the bead of sweat/worry that came upon her face. "Don't think I forgot about your trap card either because I reveal my final facedown Dark Magic Attack since I have Dark Magician on my field I can destroy all your spells/traps." The Dark Magician then raised his scepter and unleashed a ball of energy that decimated Cinnamon's cards. With Cinnamon's wall of defense now gone there was nothing left to protect Cinnamon from suffering a direct attack from my monsters. "I'll say this Cinnamon you've forced me to show another aspect of my dueling talents and for that I'm grateful. Now my magicians time to end this, first time to banish your Leviathan Dragon and then I'll attack your life points with Ebon Magician and Magician of Dark Illusion. To finish you off Dark Magician attack Cinnamon directly with Dark Magic Attack."
Cinnamon's Life Points: 0
Winner: Isaac

Once the duel had ended I went to check on Cinnamon to see if she suffered any injuries. "Hey Cinnamon, you ok?"

"Tell me one thing Isaac, are you always like this with the girls?" I was confused on the statement made by Cinnamon that I raised an eyebrow; it wasn't until that I saw that I had placed my hand on her arm that it caused me to jump back a few feet.

Cinnamon seemed to have enjoyed it because at that moment she burst out into laughter "I'm just messing with you lighten up a bit. It's almost like being with a girl makes you uncomfortable."

I merely rolled my eyes at her comment as I helped her up "Lets just say that I don't have much experience when it comes to romance."

Once Cinnamon got to her feet the sound that soon followed was thunderous. Everybody in the room was give us a standing ovation; people were clapping, shouting, even cheering for us as we put everything on the line in this duel. I didn't know how meaningful this victory was until I turned towards Celestia and Luna and saw that even they were singing our praises. If I didn't think a room full of students was enough to understand how meaningful this win was then Celestia and Luna really forced me to change my mind. The noise was so loud that I didn't hear what Cinnamon was trying to say until she tapped me on my shoulder.

"You really do have potential Isaac. If you put your mind to it you could become the best duelist here at CHS." Cinnamon seemed pleased to say that statement. "Maybe you can even beat her."

The way Cinnamon said that sentence caused me to take a moment to register what she said. "Her?" I said a bit baffled.

I didn't get my answer as Celestia gone on the microphone "Everybody let's give one more round of applause to both Cinnamon and Isaac. Not only have they treated us to an honorable duel but they have shown us that in a duel it's about being one with both your monsters and your deck." Everyone seemed moved by Celestia's words that they all agreed with her without hesitation. "Alright that's enough, time for everybody to get ready and head to your next class." After Celestia made her announcement, everybody started to grab their things and made their way out of the gym. As people were making their way out I was given endorsements/praises from passing students. Celestia and Luna merely gave me their thanks before heading back to their offices.

As everybody was filling out I caught sight of Cinnamon "Hey Cinnamon, I wanted to say thanks for an amazing duel. If you keep at I'm sure your deck has La potencial to take you to the top."

Cinnamon had a weird look on her face "La potencial what does that mean?"

"Oh, it means potential in Spanish" I felt a bit embarrassed about saying something that Cinnamon didn't understand.

Cinnamon smiled "Thanks I'll keep at it, I'll be seeing you around Isaac" and with that Cinnamon left.

I soon looked at the time and figured it was time I got a move on, despite being the victor I was still susceptible to suffering from a stern talk from Celestia about being tardy. Amongst the crowd of people who attend the duel was the same girl who witnessed Isaac's previous duel from this morning. While watching the duel, she was able to learn more about the individual that has caught her eye.

"The kid really is full of surprises even I didn't expect him to know more advanced dueling techniques. Still I shouldn't be fully shocked he does hold the Dark Magician so it makes sense he would know about other types of summoning regarding that card. All the more reason to keep a close eye on him, I'm sure the others would really appreciate knowing that there's someone who can provide a decent challenge."

Author's Note:

Well so far our guy is 2 for 2. Now that he's shown that his first victory wasn't a fluke, it's time to step it up. In terms of Isaac's next opponent lets say that it's a character that is a fan favorite among the pony community. Also the same girl who witnessed Isaac's prior duel also was in attendance for this one. What could she want with someone like him? There's also the owner of that card that Isaac found on the floor. Also prompts to anybody who caught the reference to not only the card but for what Luna said. You earned yourself some style points.